Precept Upon Precept Lesson 1 Lamentations TRUE REPENTANCE HEART: Contrition 1. Intellect: change my mind/attitude about my sin Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

2. Will: to confess & forsake the sin Like the prodigal son who abandoned the pigpen, returned to his father, Luke 15:11-32

3. Emotions: express the true spirit of repentance The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17 Turn with fasting, weeping, mourning. Tear your heart and not your garments. Joel 2:12-13 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 MOUTH: Confession 1. Admit my guilt We are to make reconciliation with an offended brother whenever possible. Mt 6:14-15;18:15-17 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 2. Agree with God that, in fact, I have transgressed His Law The Levitical Law required, along with confession, that restitution be made to the offended party before remission was granted Lev 5:5-6; Nu 5:7; Lev 16:21

Unconfessed or “hidden” sin has a destructive effect on individuals In David’s unconfessed sin with Bathsheba, he was personally affected in several ways. Spiritually: lost the joy of his salvation & the presence of the LORD Ps 51:11-12 Mentally: his sin was always before him Ps 51:3 Physically: felt his strength ebbing away Ps 32:3-4, 51:8 Only when David acknowledged his sin, that his burden was lifted and he sensed forgiveness and the joy of his salvation returned. Ps 32:1, 51:3; 2 Sam 12:13 CONDUCT: Changed Life Beautifully illustrated in the lives of true believers 1 Thessalonians 1:9 1. Turned TO God headed in one direction, made an about-face to go in the opposite direction 2. Turned FROM idols away from the sinful practices of their past, never to worship that way again 3. Turned TO SERVE a living and true God they became bondservants of Christ, expressed in total commitment to the Lord

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age Titus 2:11-12

-from JOEL: Day of the LORD by David M. Levy